Pochettino told Chelsea loanee is ‘the next Ashley Cole’

Following his impressive displays at left-back in recent weeks, Harvey Vale, a Chelsea loanee, has made the manager of Bristol Rovers, Joey Barton, remark that he reminds him of “a young Ashley Cole.”

The 19-year-old Vale, who signed a loan with Bristol Rovers this summer, has started the last four games in a somewhat unusual left-back position.

The Englishman, whose natural place is higher up the pitch, captained England U19s to victory in the European Championship last summer. He was used at left-back throughout that competition.

Although Vale has primarily played as a winger or an offensive midfielder in Chelsea’s academy, one of his most noteworthy qualities has also been his adaptability.

He appears to have settled in now on Barton’s left back four. Vale played admirably against Oxford on Saturday even if they lost 2-1.

The Chelsea loanee attracted attention from full-back, winning five challenges along the way. He also completed two crucial passes and two dribbles. Barton has been greatly impressed by his defense-oriented performances.

READ MORE: Amid interest from Barcelona, a surprise team hopes to sign a “new Moises Caicedo.”

According to Football.London, the former midfielder for Manchester City, Newcastle, and QPR stated on BBC Radio Bristol: “I think that in the two games that he’s played there [left-back], he’s looked like a young Ashley Cole; he looks like he’s played there forever.”

“He’s a football player with a high football IQ, good passing range, decent running ability, and decent aerial ability.”

Is Vale’s best position at left-back?

Although Vale has regularly demonstrated his offensive prowess for Chelsea’s youth sides, it appears that playing in a more constrained role has helped him grow in League One.

The 20-year-old, whose loan move to Hull City was terminated owing to a lack of opportunity, scored three goals and contributed four assists in 14 Premier League 2 games last season. He has also already scored his first goal for Bristol Rovers.

The young Englishman is obviously seen by Barton as more of a left-back, and moving to that position has obviously allowed Vale to play his greatest senior season to date.

Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Levi Colwill, and Ian Maatsen are Chelsea’s current left-back options, so a left-back return to Stamford Bridge does seem a little difficult.